Sunday, June 15, 2014

Godly Fathers

My Daddy﻿

He gave me brown eyes, thick hair, love for music, and a bit of a stubborn streak. Even though Father's Day gifts have been replaced with cemetery flowers and even though I can only see him in my dreams, I can still hear him, sometimes, in the things I say and can feel him in the way I think and what I believe and, from time to time, I can even catch a glimpse of him looking back at me in my mirror.

Death can't diminish love or take away the difference a life made.....and it can never shake the foundation a little girl has for the rest of her life when she knows, without a doubt, that her Daddy loves her.

Five years ago, we were given a gift that many are denied......the chance to say goodbye. After suffering with a painful cancer for over a year, we were told that his end was near. My brothers and I stood by his hospital bed and there, in a sort of surreal moment, we were able to verbalize feelings that are too often reserved only for Father's Day card inscriptions. Inhibitions fly out the window when you can hear death's footsteps coming for someone you love. The sense of finality urges you to speak with your heart.

We said say goodbye to the person who, for our whole lives, had symbolized strength, protection, wisdom, security, provision, and love........the man who worked 10-12 hours a day, 6 days a week, stooped over a drawing board so that we could be educated and have the things we needed.....the man who taught us about Jesus with his words and his life.

He was a gift.

I can't wait until the day I can throw my arms around him again.

My Children's Daddy

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Davis.....I don't guess I've ever known anyone who works harder than him. His work ethic....well, I'd put it up against anybody's . He's quite possibly the most disciplined person I know. He's a quiet, humble man....never calling attention to himself. There are a lot of things that I'm unsure about in this life, but his integrity is not one of them. He always does the right thing. He is selfless and industrious and as dependable as the sunrise.

For our children's whole lives, he's been a constant model of honesty, hard work, responsibility, commitment, faith, reason, and patience. He always puts himself behind everyone else. He's busy taking care of us in those quiet, unnoticed places. He's happy to do his work behind the scenes..... where few are content these days. He never needs anything. Never wants anything. Never worries about getting credit. Just steady, faithful, consistent.

Sometimes, I wonder if we, subconsciously, choose a mate who embodies the qualities we feel we are lacking. I can't help but think that we must look for someone who is strong where we feel we're weakest. He's a better person than me in so many ways.

My children are blessed....just like I was.

Their Daddy is a good man.

I hope you've had a nice day with the fathers in your life....or a pleasant day of memories!